Thank goodness it’s springtime! You can finally put away your heavy coats, muddy boots and sky-high utility bills in exchange for airy pastels, strappy sandals and open windows! A season so fresh and uplifting deserves a proper welcome, wouldn’t you agree? It’s time to de-winterize your home in the only way that we, and basically everyone else, know how. You guessed it! It’s time for spring cleaning! You need not fear the task ahead. There are so many simple ways to get your apartment spring-ready without feeling like Cinderella scrubbing the floors. Here are a few of our favorite spring-cleaning basics.
Clean Your Carpets in a Flash
Assuming that you’ve kept up with your everyday laundry and dish duties, we’ll jump right in! Most standard apartment communities come with carpeting, and winter can take its toll on a beige carpet. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to vacuum up all of the mud, dirt and dust that has accumulated from outdoor treks in the winter weather followed by lots of time indoors - not to mention all of the extra dust and hair that pet owners everywhere are accustomed to. For a fresh scent, lightly dust your carpet with a Febreze or Resolve carpet powder made for pet smells and stains. Let it sit the instructed amount of time (scrub if the directions say so), and then vacuum it away for great smelling and softer carpet. If your carpet has suffered any major spills, talk to your apartment management about preferred or allowed carpet cleaners. A professional deep cleaning guarantees that your floors will receive the best results.
Freshen You Furniture
You’re going to need a comfy (and clean!) spot to observe the amazing end product of your work. Whether you’re rocking your college futon or the world’s most comfortable leather couch, there are ways to clean up where you chill out. (Who hasn’t had a futon, am I right?) To really freshen it up, skip the Febreze this time and just throw your futon cover in the wash. If you’re feeling really ambitious, skip the wash all together and buy a new spring-appropriate cover. Opt for a fun pattern over the usual plain black. Unsure of how to add the gleam back to your leather couch? There are several leather cleaners and conditioners that will restore the look of your leather furniture. Try Blue Magic Leather Cleaner and Leather Cream Conditioner for great results. Be sure to follow the instructions. If you’re not up for a trip to the store, a quart of distilled water and a few drops of mild liquid face or body soap make a great solution for a gentle clean. Dip a rag in the soapy solution, wring it out and gently wipe down your couch or chair. Grab another rag, soak it in plain distilled water, wring it out and wipe away any soap residue.
Spring Scents
Making small swaps to your apartment’s scent collection can completely change the feel from winter to spring. Smell is our most emotional sense, and a fresh new scent will be the final touch in your spring cleaning. First, get rid of any vanilla, gingerbread, pumpkin or pine forest smells. Those are strictly fall and winter themed. Try out Golden Sands, Turquoise Sky or Waikiki Melon from Yankee Candle’s new spring fragrances. If you’re a plug-in scented oil user, try Refreshing Surf from Glade or Linen & Sky from Febreze.
There you have it, three easy-as-pie cleaning tips for a total springtime transformation. For a little extra pizazz, add a vase or two of fresh spring flowers like some gorgeous Calla Lilies or colorful Gerberas. Those are our favorite ways for a speedy spring cleaning. What are yours?
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